Radiant HistoriaReview

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This time-travelling RPG pays homage to the past while moving steadily toward the future.

By Audrey Drake

From the initial concept to the final execution, Radiant Historia, developed by Atlus, is a game that takes chances. While most Japanese role-playing games tend to adhere closely to the established traditions of the genre, Radiant Historia attempts to walk the line between a traditional experience and something brand new, and the result is quite engaging.

Players take the role of Stock, a quiet, brooding warrior who somehow ends up with the fate of the world on his shoulders. In the grueling war between the kingdoms of Granorg and Alistel, and amid a sweeping and terrifying epidemic that is turning people to sand and transforming the once ample land into desert, Stock must use the White Chronicle to travel to key points in time to try and find the correct path he must follow to lead his world out of certain doom.

It's up to you to figure out which road leads to salvation.

While it's true the time travel mechanic has been done before (most notably in the Chrono series), Radiant Historia takes it to the next level, with a multitude of possible outcomes that change based on the many choices the player makes at key points along the way. The game does an admirable job of making you feel like time is really in your hands, though it can become a bit of a grind to relive certain moments over and over again in your attempt to achieve a favorable ending, and the correct path is sometimes difficult to decipher. Even so, the ability to explore countless possible outcomes and scenarios is impressive, and adds considerably to the game's replay value.

The battle system also seeks to shake-up the standard, turn-based RPG formula. Enemies are visible on the battlefield and can either be dodged by running past them or engaged by running into them or slashing at them with your blade. Once a battle has been entered, you go into a battle screen where both your party and the enemies are placed in various positions on two 3x3 grids.

The battle system itself is incredibly fun and allows for plenty of strategy. Things like knocking enemies into each other for a double attack, managing turn order, and coordinating the positioning of your party and enemies has a great effect on how much damage is dealt, and eventually becomes less of an option and more of a necessity for survival. This new system is fresh enough to interest players who might be tired of the same ole, same ole from their RPGs, but also familiar enough to not alienate longtime fans of the experience grind.

The retro-inspired, sprite-based graphics are gorgeous and highly detailed, especially for a DS game. The world is also quite large, though there are a few too many invisible walls, which really pulls you out of the experience when you encounter them. Some of the characters also look a bit awkward when they're in motion. Even so, it is an impressive experience and a beautiful game to look at.

Lovable characters add warmth to the heavy narrative.

The story, though it can be a little too text heavy at times, is incredibly involvng, and really makes the threat of worldwide destruction feel imminent. The weight of your decisions is heavy in Radiant historia, making you feel responsible for all that transpires because of them, and that much more eager to set things right. Although the beginning drags on a little too long, making you wait longer than you should have to in order to get to the heart of the gameplay, once I waded through it I was on the edge of my seat until the very end.

The music is also quite beautiful. Yoko Shimomura (who did the music for Super Mario RPG and Kingdom Hearts) created a haunting and emotionally stirring score that adds an extra layer of depth to the already heavy narrative. Pair this with the stellar graphics, involving story, and innovative gameplay, and you're left with an RPG that should not be missed.

The Verdict

Radiant Historia is a classic RPG that manages to feel brand new, with a unique battle system and a multi-faceted time travel mechanic. While the story can drag at times, and reliving certain moments over and over can be tiring, it is ultimately a wonderful game that all RPG enthusiasts should make it a point to check out.

8PresentationThe presentation is top-notch, with fascinating characters and a story that, while it drags at a few points, is large in scale and epic to behold.

9GraphicsRadiant Historia is a beautiful game with great attention to detail and well-conceived, lovable character designs. One of the prettier DS games on the market.

9SoundThe music is beautiful, and is both atmospheric and melancholy without dragging the mood down too much.

9GameplayThe gameplay is deep and engaging, with plenty of nuance for players who wish to make the most of the renovated, turn-based battle system.

8Lasting AppealWith a seemingly endless number of decisions to remake and paths to choose, the replay value is stellar, though it can sometimes be a drag having to reread the same dialogue over and over.